The Fernley Chamber of Commerce used its quarterly luncheon to spotlight both its own 2026 priorities and the larger economic forces shaping Fernley’s future, with Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada CEO Taylor Adams telling attendees the city is positioned to play a major role in the region’s next wave of growth.
Adams said EDAWN continues to focus on business attraction, retention, expansion, entrepreneurial development, workforce partnerships and investor relations. He described Northern Nevada as an increasingly attractive market for companies looking for a lower-cost alternative to California, particularly in advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology and energy-related development.
“If it were up to me, I’d make Gavin Newsom governor for life,” Adams joked, drawing laughs from the audience before explaining that high costs in California continue to push companies to consider Northern Nevada for manufacturing and operations.
Adams said Fernley is especially well-positioned because of its location, entitled housing, transportation access and the amount of private investment already made in industrial land and infrastructure.
“I can tell you, the future of the Northern Nevada economy is right here,” Adams said. “Fernley’s time has come.”
He said EDAWN currently is working with 275 qualified leads and described Fernley as one of the communities most likely to benefit as those opportunities turn into projects. He also pointed to a continued need for energy generation and infrastructure, especially as data centers and advanced manufacturing users seek locations in Northern Nevada.
Adams said data centers can offer strong tax benefits to local governments but added that growth must be handled responsibly so it does not unfairly burden existing residents.
That discussion was reinforced by comments from Mark IV Capital Senior Vice President Rick Nelson, who said the company has already invested approximately $440 million into Fernley-area property and infrastructure.
Nelson said Microsoft has purchased 300 acres in the development area and is expected to begin the permitting process. He also said Mark IV is moving forward with a power substation that will provide a substantial boost to the City of Fernley coffers through franchise fees. In previous meetings, Nelson has said franchise fees could yield nearly $58 million to the city. Plans are also advancing for natural gas generation nearby.
He said additional businesses are also looking at the area, including data centers, retail, restaurants and other commercial users, though some remain under non-disclosure agreements.
“While it doesn’t look like a lot’s going on, a lot of things are happening,” he said.
According to Nelson, the company is also planning a master-planned community to the north of I-80 and is working on workforce development efforts in partnership with regional education and training providers. He said current workforce demand tied to future development could rise from roughly 400 workers now to as many as 3,000 within a year.
Both Adams and Nelson emphasized the same basic message: growth is coming, and Fernley has an opportunity to shape it.
Adams told the audience that the city’s location along the I-80 corridor, future transportation connections and industrial readiness have made it a focal point for regional and even national attention.
“This place is happening,” Adams said.
Before Adams spoke, chamber committee leaders gave updates on membership, scholarships, events and business outreach, underscoring an effort this year to make chamber events more valuable to members while keeping them financially sustainable.
The Ambassadors Committee chair, Kim Jones, said the chamber is focused on boosting attendance and creating stronger value at both breakfasts and luncheons.
Treasurer Dan Ravetto said the chamber is also working closely with committee chairs to ensure events at least break even, crediting sponsors with helping keep costs manageable while allowing the organization to invest in community efforts.
Education Committee Chair Wendy Fagundes announced the chamber’s 2026 scholarship application is now available. She encouraged businesses to share the application with employees and families, noting that scholarships are available both for traditional college students and for those pursuing trade school.
Karoline Ciesielska, who chairs the membership committee, said the chamber has reviewed its membership rolls and now counts nearly 300 businesses among its members. She said the committee will soon begin outreach calls to gather feedback from members and better understand how the chamber can provide support, resources and educational workshops.
Other chamber announcements included the Fernley Chamber golf tournament, scheduled for May 2, and the annual gala on March 21.
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